What is the Name of the Mexican Redknee Tarantula?

by SHINE
tarantulas

The Mexican Redknee Tarantula, a beautiful and fascinating creature, is one of the most popular species of tarantula in the pet trade. This species is known for its striking appearance, docile temperament, and relatively easy care requirements. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the Mexican Redknee Tarantula, its scientific name, habitat, characteristics, and care requirements.

The Scientific Name of the Mexican Redknee Tarantula

The Mexican Redknee Tarantula is scientifically known as Brachypelma smithi. The name Brachypelma comes from the Greek word “brachys,” meaning “short,” and “pelma,” which means “foot,” referring to the tarantula’s short, stout legs. The species name smithi was given in honor of the American arachnologist, Dr. Henry Smith, who contributed to the study of tarantulas in the 19th century.

In the pet trade, this species is often simply referred to as the “Mexican Redknee,” or sometimes “Mexican Red Knee” or “Red-Knee Tarantula.” These names highlight the tarantula’s most recognizable feature: its red-orange markings on the joints of its legs.

Native Habitat of the Mexican Redknee Tarantula

The Mexican Redknee Tarantula is native to the dry, arid regions of Mexico, particularly in the state of Sonora, which is located in the northwestern part of the country. The species typically inhabits scrublands and lowland deserts, often seeking shelter in burrows or crevices. These tarantulas are terrestrial, meaning they spend most of their time on the ground, although they can climb on occasion.

Mexican Redknee Tarantulas are also known to hide in abandoned rodent burrows, using their natural burrowing instincts to create their own subterranean hideouts. This preference for hiding in burrows plays a big role in their behavior and care when kept in captivity.

Physical Characteristics of the Mexican Redknee Tarantula

The Mexican Redknee Tarantula is known for its striking appearance. Here are some of the physical characteristics that make this species so distinct:

Size: Adult female Mexican Redknee Tarantulas typically grow to about 6 to 7 inches in leg span, while males are smaller, averaging around 5 inches.

Coloration: The body of this tarantula is usually dark brown or black, with bright orange-red markings at the joints of the legs, giving it the “red knee” appearance. This vivid coloration makes it one of the most eye-catching tarantulas in the world.

Hairs: Like many tarantulas, the Mexican Redknee has urticating hairs on its abdomen. These tiny, bristle-like hairs can be flicked off by the tarantula when it feels threatened. The hairs are used as a defense mechanism and can cause skin irritation in humans.

Fangs: The Mexican Redknee has two large fangs that it uses to subdue prey. These fangs are capable of injecting venom, although the venom of this species is not dangerous to humans and is typically used to immobilize small prey.

Behavior and Temperament of the Mexican Redknee Tarantula

One of the main reasons why the Mexican Redknee Tarantula is so popular in the pet trade is its relatively calm and docile temperament. While all tarantulas have the potential to become defensive if they feel threatened, Brachypelma smithi is generally known for being more relaxed and less likely to bite compared to other species.

This tarantula often shows defensive postures, such as raising its front legs or flicking hairs from its abdomen, but it typically prefers to retreat to its burrow or hide rather than engage in a fight. Because of this, the Mexican Redknee is considered a good species for beginners in the tarantula hobby, as long as proper handling techniques are followed.

However, it’s important to remember that all tarantulas are delicate creatures, and care should be taken not to startle them. As with any animal, respecting their space and observing them from a distance is the best way to keep both you and the tarantula safe.

Feeding Habits of the Mexican Redknee Tarantula

The Mexican Redknee Tarantula is an obligate carnivore, meaning it primarily feeds on other animals. In the wild, it hunts a variety of small prey, including insects, rodents, and even small lizards. In captivity, however, their diet is usually based on insects such as crickets, mealworms, roaches, and other appropriately-sized invertebrates.

Tarantulas are opportunistic feeders, meaning they will eat when food is available, but they can survive for long periods without food. Adult Mexican Redknee Tarantulas may only need to be fed once or twice a week, while younger tarantulas may need food more frequently.

One of the benefits of owning a Mexican Redknee Tarantula is that they are not aggressive eaters. Unlike some other species of tarantulas, the Mexican Redknee will often wait for food to be presented in its enclosure rather than actively hunting. They may also fast for extended periods during molting or colder months, which is a normal behavior.

Life Cycle and Molting of the Mexican Redknee Tarantula

Tarantulas, including the Mexican Redknee, go through a process called molting, where they shed their exoskeleton to allow for growth. This process is essential for the tarantula’s development and happens several times during their life.

Juvenile Stage: After hatching, a Mexican Redknee Tarantula is in its juvenile stage, which lasts for several years. During this time, it will molt several times as it grows.

Mating and Reproduction: Adult females can live for up to 30 years in captivity, while males typically live much shorter lives (around 5 to 7 years). When mating, the male will perform a courtship ritual to attract the female. If the female is receptive, they will mate. After fertilization, the female will lay a sac containing eggs, which will hatch into spiderlings.

Care Requirements for the Mexican Redknee Tarantula

Caring for a Mexican Redknee Tarantula is relatively straightforward, but it’s important to provide the proper environment and diet to ensure that the tarantula stays healthy. Below are the key care requirements for keeping a Mexican Redknee Tarantula in captivity.

1. Enclosure

The enclosure for a Mexican Redknee Tarantula should be large enough to allow it to move around freely but small enough to feel secure. A 10-gallon tank or similar-sized enclosure is usually sufficient for an adult tarantula.

Substrate: A layer of substrate, such as coconut fiber, peat moss, or soil, should cover the bottom of the enclosure. This provides a soft, natural environment and helps maintain humidity levels. The substrate should be kept slightly moist, but not wet.

Hiding Places: The Mexican Redknee Tarantula loves to have a hiding place, such as a hollow log or a ceramic cave. Providing these hiding spots is important for the tarantula’s well-being, as they will spend a lot of time in these shelters.

Temperature and Humidity: The Mexican Redknee prefers warm temperatures, ideally between 75 to 85°F (24 to 29°C). Humidity levels should be maintained at around 60 to 70%. Avoid excessive humidity, as this can lead to health problems like mold or fungal infections.

2. Feeding

As mentioned earlier, the Mexican Redknee Tarantula should be fed appropriately sized insects. Make sure to remove any uneaten food from the enclosure to prevent it from decaying and causing problems.

3. Water

It is important to provide fresh water at all times. A shallow dish with a small amount of water should be placed in the enclosure. Make sure to change the water regularly to prevent bacteria buildup.

4. Handling

While the Mexican Redknee is generally calm, handling should be done with care. Avoid handling the tarantula too often, as it can cause stress. If you do handle it, do so gently and make sure the tarantula is fully supported in your hands. Never grab the tarantula by its legs, as this can cause injury.

Conclusion

The Mexican Redknee Tarantula (Brachypelma smithi) is a beautiful and fascinating species of tarantula that makes an excellent pet for arachnid enthusiasts. Known for its vibrant red markings and calm nature, it’s easy to see why this species is so popular in the pet trade. By providing a proper habitat, diet, and care, you can enjoy the company of this amazing creature for many years.

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